Sewing Machine Brands

by Kim Everly
(Bruceton Mills WV)

Hi! I was wondering which brand of sewing machine you prefer for machine quilting? I have signed up for a beginner's quilting class (which has not yet started, due to not enough signed up yet).

I am now just "shopping around" to see what is out there and which are the best recommended brands. Any ideas?

ANSWER

There are many excellent sewing machine brands the market. So, which one is best? That's a hard question to answer. If you polled ten quilters, you'd get a lot of different answers.

Some would prefer Pfaff, while others wouldn't sew with anything but a Bernina or a Husqvarna Viking. Why? Because choosing a sewing machine is like buying a car. Your personality, pocketbook, and personal preferences ultimately come into play.

The number of sewing machine brands and models can make your head spin. Offerings include everything from a basic machine to one that features the latest and greatest gadgets and accessories.

You can even purchase a "quilter's sewing machine" which features quilting stitches and accessories commonly used by quilters. But, before you plop down your hard-earned cash, consider whether or not you'll actually use these extra goodies. If not, opt for a less expensive model.

For beginning quilters, I recommend using a basic machine. It's a low-cost way to see if you really like quilting or not. If you decide that you love quilting, great! You can always upgrade your machine. But, if you discover that quilting isn't for you, you haven't lost a huge investment. You can move onto other things.

How to Choose Among Sewing Machine Brands and Models:

Go to your nearest sewing store and try out different brands and models.
Sew with different types of material.
Ask about training classes for your machine.
Ask about the repair history. How many machines have been brought in for repair?
Ask about the warranty for parts and labor.
Can they repair your machine there, or do they ship your machine out?
Will they give you a "loaner" if your machine needs repair?

For more tips and information about buying a sewing machine, I highly recommend the book,"Picking a Sewing Machine You'll Love."

I hope I've helped you navigate through the jungle of sewing machine brands. If you do your homework, you'll find a perfect match.